Education · 1 of 4

The path

Short schooling, then experience is what gets you the executive title.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   English and computer courses matter most. Typing speed and clean writing are real hiring factors.

2. 2

   College diploma

   2 years

   A 2-year Office Administration, Executive diploma (Durham, Conestoga, Algonquin, Fanshawe and others) or a similar program like the Administrative Information Management diploma at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology). Most include a work placement.

3. 3

   Administrative assistant

   2 to 4 years

   Support a team or department. Learn the company, the software and the politics.

4. 4

   Executive assistant

   After 2 to 5 years

   Support one senior leader or a small executive team. Job Bank says employers usually want related administrative experience, and some ask for a degree.